THERESA LOPEZ HOSINO Was born on June 16, 1919 in Wailea, Hawaii to Manuel and Salvadora Morales Lopez. Her parents had emigrated from the Malaga region of Spain with their young son in 1913 to start a new life in the Islands. Their 13,553 mile journey to Honolulu on the British ship Willesden took nearly 2 months and they eventually settled on the Big Island in Honomu where Manuel worked at the Hakalau Sugarcane Plantation. Theresa was the 4th of 7 more children born to Salvadora and Manuel, 6 of whom survived and they also adopted a daughter. The Lopez couple raised their 8 children to value ohana and the importance of community service. As a girl, Theresa attended school through the 8th grade in Wailea and since she excelled at cooking, she took on responsibility to provide family meals and bread. She met the love of her life, Manuel Hosino, while visiting her brother on Kauai in the summer of 1939. They married at a small ceremony on Kauai in 1940 and then settled in Kalihi Valley where they raised their family (Raymond T., Carol Dean, Billie Lyn, and Patricia Ann). Manuel worked as a crane operator and Theresa was always surrounded by children. For many years, she was a foster parent for children with special needs, many of whom called her "Arbuela". Theresa was a woman of many talents. Her interactions with the diverse cultures of the Big Island plantations enabled her to speak four languages. As a young woman, she took an interest in fashion and became an accomplished seamstress working for Alfred Shaheen. Her family became used to wearing the latest styles and a chartreuse dress made for her daughter Carol's eight birthday was featured in the local news. Theresa worked as a chef at the Saint Francis Convent and Kamehameha Schools where her tireless, industrial strength cooking fed the masses. Her signature paella was the highlight of many gatherings and her legendary sweet bread was a local favorite. Seeking their family roots with her sister Annie in Malaga Spain was a highlight of Theresa's life adventures. In 1995, on a trip with Annie, her daughters and granddaughters, they matched old family photos and reconnected in a joyful celebration with 35 living relatives. Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, her son, her parents, her brothers Frank, Gregory, John, Manuel, and her sisters Ramona, Annie, Isabelle. Theresa is survived by her sister Maria, her daughters and their spouses, Carol Caspillo (Ray Caspillo), Billie Lyn (Alani Hi'iakaikapoliopele), Patricia Urbano (Ed Urbano), as well as 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of friends and extended family. Theresa believed in sharing her resources and good fortune. She would be the first to help those in need and once hosted a stranded Israeli family. Her gracious hospitality, generosity and community outreach will be an enduring part of her legacy. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at the Lady of the Mount Catholic Church, 1614 Monte St., Honolulu 96819. Viewing will be at 10:15, Mass at 11:30 and lunch to follow.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
°